An internal medicine physician, or a primary care physician, is essentially a general doctor for adults. They do not perform surgery and are often the professionals you see for your annual physical. When you need a specialist who has studied a certain area of the body in detail, it’s important to know the 11 sub-specialties of internal medicine. That way, you can seek out the right doctor for your symptoms.

The 11 Sub-Specialties of Internal Medicine

1. Pulmonology

Pulmonologists treat lung conditions like asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis (COPD). You can also see a pulmonologist for sleep problems, since issues like sleep apnea are attributed to breathing.

2. Endocrinology

Endocrinologists specialize in hormones and glands and treat hyper- or hypothyroid disorders and diabetes. While primary care physicians often treat diabetes, some instances require an endocrinologist.

3. Cardiology

Cardiologists focus on the heart and blood vessels. While they can help prevent heart attacks, they also treat patients who have had heart attacks or congestive heart failure.

4. Gastroenterology

Gastroenterologists (GI-doctors) focus on the digestive system: the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, and small and large intestines. Patients with severe or chronic heartburn, indigestion, stomach pain, chronic diarrhea or constipation, or irritable bowel syndrome should see a GI doctor.

5. Hepatology

While GI doctors can see patients with liver problems, hepatologists focus exclusively on the liver and treat patients with severe or chronic liver diseases like Hepatitis A, B, C. They also care for patients who may need a transplant.

6. Hematology/Oncology

Hematologists/oncologists specialize in blood disorders. These physicians treat anemia and breast, lung, and colon cancers, but they do not perform surgery. A separate surgeon is required to remove tumors.

7. Nephrology

Nephrologists help patients manage kidney failure and dialysis treatments. They are different from urologists, who treat kidney problems such as stones.

8. Rheumatology

Rheumatologists treat patients with autoimmune diseases. Because these conditions often cause joint swelling and pain, these physicians also treat a variety of conditions affecting the joints—except those caused by sports injuries or overuse.

9. Allergy/Immunology

Allergists perform allergy testing and administer allergy shots. They also treat rare immune deficiency disorders.  

10. Infectious Disease

Infectious disease doctors treat chronic or severe infections. The most common are HIV/AIDS, bone infections, and skin infections. However, most infections are short-lived and can be treated by your primary care physician.

11. Geriatrics

Geriatricians treat the elderly, typically those 80 years and older. They help patients with dementia maintain their quality of life and manage their medications to prevent negative drug interactions and side effects.

Not sure which internal medicine specialist you need to see? Visit Fairview Clinic, P.C. They will listen to your concerns and recommend the right specialty. Call today at (334) 794-3192 or visit their website for more information.